Do
I need to have an appointment with someone before I can register for
a class? | Top

No. If you are taking Sign Language for the first time, we
suggest you begin with American Sign Language 1 (ASL 1140C).
If you would like to take an additional class, Survey of
Deaf Studies (ASL 1000), a lecture course, would be a valuable addition to your initial learning.

How
do I register for one of the courses offered in the program?
| Top

Complete a
college application and mail or bring it to the campus nearest
you.You will receive
or be sent a student identification number.After you have obtained a number you may register on campus.
Returning students are given priority in registering. First
time students may register only after the designated date for new
students, which are established each term.

You must be a
full time student, enrolling for a minimum of 12 credits hours
during a major term (fall or winter) to be eligible.The application process in lengthy so you are advised to
being early. For information, call the Financial Aid Office at (305)
237-1058.

Yes,
you may register to audit a course.However, students registering for credit have first
priority in registering.The enrollment period for those who wish to audit courses
is AFTER that.For more information contact the Registration Department,
(305) 237-1111.

The
Interpretation Program offers ONLY credit classes. For possible non-credit classes contact the Community
Education (night school) program of your choice to see if classes
are available. You may also wish to contact Deaf Services Bureau of Miami
to see whether classes are available.

The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Sign Language Interpretation totals 72 credits, which usually takes full-time students approximately two years to complete. However, most of our students work full-time and attend the college on a part time basis. For these students, three years is usually the length of time required.

What
courses are offered for the Associate in Science degree in Sign
Language Interpretation?
| Top

Three
types of courses are required for the degree. - 50 credits in the
subject major, 7 credits in the elective category and 15 credits
in the general education category. (See our 3-page description of the program for specifics.)

If
already have some signing skills do I have to start in the lowest
class? | Top

No.If you have previously acquired skill, contact the department, who will assist you in determining the appropriate
course for you.

If
I have taken ASL or other courses from another college, can these be
transferred to M-DC to apply toward my degree.
| Top

Yes, in most cases this can be done.This would need to be arranged on an individual basis and
will be done in consultation with the department.

Do
I need to be evaluated before I can enter the interpretation
program?
| Top

If
you are registering for the elective course, American Sign
Language 1, you do NOT need to be evaluated.If you wish to enroll in ASL2 or higher, you need to be
evaluated.Contact the department
for more information.

Do
I need to pursue a degree or can I take classes for my own interest?
| Top

No, you do NOT need to pursue the degree. You may take classes for your own personal interest.

No,
you do not. You need the skills and knowledge. However, for those who have not previously attended college,
we encourage you to think about pursuing this important goal.You would be preparing yourself for employment as an
interpreter and also be achieving a well-rounded education.
Furthermore, more and more employers are providing additional
compensation for those interpreters who possess college degrees in
addition to having passed interpreter evaluation systems.

Also, testing systems for professional interpreters are beginning to require advanced education before those applying can take such tests.

How
long will it take me to learn American Sign Language and is it
difficult to master?
| Top

It
is extremely difficult if not impossible to state how long it
would take YOU to learn the language or how difficult it will be
for YOU, personally.Individual language mastery depends on many factors
including your natural aptitude for learning languages, hand / eye
coordination, motivation and effort, and the degree of exposure
and interaction with native deaf signers.Expertise in American Sign Language, like any other
language, can be achieved with education, practice and experience.However, as with any language, ASL can be learned and
non-native communicators can acquire a great deal of knowledge and
skill.

At
the present time there is a tremendous need for both full and
part-time interpreters, working in educational, social service,
medical, employment, entertainment, religious and other settings. Current job listings are posted in the program office and our staff will assist with job placement for students. Job
availability and salaries depend on individual interpreter
qualifications and on the geographic location.

Are
there employment opportunities which utilize persons with signing
skills?
| Top

Teachers
of hearing impaired children, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors, personnel
of deaf service centers and others employed in social service
agencies, which deal with deaf and hard of hearing persons, all
use Sign Language to communicate.

Salaries will vary depending on
factors such as the geographical location, employment setting,
amount of education, your experience and your credentials.Full-time interpreting positions may pay anywhere from
$25,000 to $60,000 annually.The highest salaries are given to interpreters with
national certification. Hourly
rates with a two-hour minimum generally range from $15.00 to
$50.00 per hour.

The
state and national professional organizations for sign language
interpreters have established evaluation systems for assessing
interpreting competency.For
most interpreting positions it is necessary to have taken and
passed one of these.While
our program can not guarantee that you will pass such tests, we
have found that the vast majority of our students who have
communicated with and interpreted for deaf and hard of hearing
persons on a regular basis, have passed within one year of
completing their coursework.Furthermore, many students have passed an evaluation before
completing their coursework.
The
evaluations available include:

The
Quality Assurance (QA) of the Florida Registry of Interpreter
for the Deaf (F.R.I.D.)
Levels 1, 2 and 3 (the highest)

The
Educational Interpreter Evaluation (E.I.E.) of the F.R.I. D.
Levels 1, 2 and 3 (the highest)

National Association of the Deaf and Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (NAD-RID)
National Interpreter Certificate (N.I.C.)